Doing Life Together

Rachel: “He’s so controlling! I can’t even go out with friends or he gets mad. Should I be concerned about this or does this mean that he really loves me?” Barb: “You should be concerned! Someone who gets upset when you go out with friends is controlling. Why does he want to isolate you like…

What does it mean to be called by God? Too often we think this means we need to work in a  ministry or  church. But calling is something every person of faith must embrace. First and foremost is to understand that vocation and calling are the same. In his helpful book, The Call, author Os Guinness…

It’s summer. We want to keep our weight down, but that constant parade of food in the office makes craving a dessert a little harder to resist. Or maybe you are taking dessert to that summer picnic. All that baking is not helping. Whatever the occasion, I discuss a few press pause strategies in my…

Rick was feeling discouraged. He tried to make a significant change in his life, but was struggling. As a friend, Jerry wondered how he could help. There are times in our lives when we want to be that supportive person who gives a friend a pep talk or helps motivate that family member to change.…

We all know that the number on the scale isn’t suppose to define us, but that doesn’t stop us from thinking about how much we weigh on any given day. And the number often influences our mood. So how often should we weigh? Every day, once a week, once a month? The answer depends on your goal–to maintain,…

Hyper parenting is a relatively new concept. One that may be doing more harm than good when it comes to preparing our children for life. When I was growing up, we came home from school, played outside until we were called for supper. Games of Kick the Can, Red Rover and tag occupied our after…

As we celebrate this Independence Day, it is important to remember the freedom we have in this country to openly embrace our religious beliefs. For the Christian, true freedom is found in Christ. But with this freedom comes responsibility as noted in Galatians 5:13. The last part of this verse is often quoted, but the first…

If you want to upset your partner, try these tried and true conversation starters or responses. These phrases will get a reaction, mostly, an upsetting one. So think before you speak! 1) We need to talk. Yes, this is the title of my latest book. Even though this conversation starter is often necessary, most people don’t welcome…

Parenting is on John’s mind now that his second child has arrived. John was raised by a father who was harsh and demanding. John often felt as if he could not live up to his father’s expectations. Now a father himself, John is aware that his parenting style is becoming all to similar to his…

Susan feels she can’t stop worrying no matter how hard she tries. She’s beginning to wonder if she is a born worry. She is asking, “Can worry be genetic?” In 2007, Yale researchers found a gene variation associated with chronic worrying and what they call “overthinking.” The discovered “worry gene” is the result of a…

More from Beliefnet and our partners